Indy company allows dogs in workplace to reduce stress, boost morale

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind.– A marketing agency on Indy’s northeast side is one of the latest companies to embrace furry friends in the workplace.

On any given day, there’s at least one dog at Valve+Meter Performance Marketing’s home office. Dogs can be seen curled up next to employees’ desks or in attendance at department meetings.

“The dogs have added a great part to our culture,” said Marcia Barnes, the CEO ad founder of Valve+Meter. “We are very hard-driving business people and sometimes you get so caught up in the mechanics of business, that sometimes you forget to soften or relax. So, the dogs are a reminder that it’s okay to breathe a little bit, love a little bit and serve a little bit.”

Employees, clients and visitors often arrive to wagging tails and wet noses pressed against the glass. Barnes said the atmosphere has been a part of the overall culture and brand of the company since its inception.

“When you have Sunshine upside-down in front of you wanting a tummy rub, it’s hard to pass that up,” Barnes said. “It’s a bright spot in your day.”

The company’s team includes 22 canines and continues to grow. The dogs include full-size Labs to pocket-size Yorkies, many of which are rescue dogs.

Kim Ziegler is the pet therapy coordinator for Riley’s Children’s Health. She said pet therapy reduces stress and anxiety.

“When we bring a dog in, you can tell that the child lights up and is welcoming,” she said. “It definitely helps and gives them something to look forward to.”

“Pet therapy is a great way to provide something a little more familiar to the child which can help with normalizing the hospital experience and helping them cope,” said Ziegler.

Valve+Meter is celebrating its one-year anniversary this week and has allowed office dogs since the very beginning.

“I often get asked if the dogs are a distraction at work,” said Barnes. “Yes they are, but a very healthy distraction. They are a reminder to love one another and that there’s more to life than just doing work.”